Much to my displeasure, I can't call myself a 'teen' anymore. Too old now to be a youth, now a young adult. I grimace at the word. Though I haven't felt like a youth or a young adult for sometime. Rather a decrepit without the maturity, clinging onto remnants of past selves.

Nevertheless, the decrepit still has some wisdom. At least, claimed but rarely true. Here are 20 Things to Know Before Turning 20...

1 . Nothing is ever black and white, just varying shades of muddy grey.2 . The temporary company you keep is almost as good as the permanent. Almost.3 . Happiness is a rarity rarely constant. Appreciate it while it lasts.4 . Leave the broken things behind, and mend what is left.5 . You can delay the inevitable, but it is still the inevitable.6 . What seems right on paper can be so wrong in life.7 . It is righteous to forgive, but do so in your own time.8 . You will make friends, even in the most unfriendly situations.9 . Expect failure and accept it.10 . Social media isn't worth it. Trust me.

11 . You will love others. You will love many. It's okay to love.12 . Do things for the sake of doing them. You will only regret some of them.13 . There are some stories best left as secrets.14 . Your friends are idiots. You're an idiot. Revel in your idiocy.15 . Don't be racist, don't be sexist. Don't be hatin'. Call people out when they are.16 . Some will love you and some will hate you. You don't need to reciprocate those feelings.17 . You are yours before you are anyone's anything.18 . Never stop finding fun in the most un-fun of times.19 . You will be afraid. Feel the fear, and do it anyway.20 . Life is worth living. Never forget that.

It seems imminent I become emotional in August. More emotional than usual, I may add. I was like this when I turned 18, and likewise at 19. The posts around those times are proof. This is no exception. Encapsulating my mindset for the year before and the year to come.